Events

Upcoming Events

Deus in Adjutorium Meum Intende: Singing the Divine Office throughout the Church’s Charisms

Discover the beauty of the sung Divine Office at this enriching online conference hosted by the Catholic Institute of Sacred Music

February 6–7, 2026, Online

The Catholic Institute of Sacred Music gathers scholars and practitioners for this online conference.

Presenters include:

• Fr. Mark Bachmann, O.S.B. (Our Lady of Clear Creek Abbey)
• Fr. Chrysostom Baer, O.Praem. (St. Michael’s Abbey)
• Prof. Christopher Berry (Catholic Institute of Sacred Music)
• Abbot Marc Crilly, O.S.B. (St. Benedict Abbey)
• Gregory DiPippo (Veterum Sapientia Institute)
• Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka (Catholic Institute of Sacred Music)
• Dr. Nina Heereman (St. Patrick’s Seminary)
• Dr. Anthony Lilles (St. Patrick’s Seminary)
• Sr. Maria Kiely (Catholic University of America, ICEL)
• Fr. Robert Pasley (Church Music Association of America)
• Dr. Richard Skirpan (St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Harrisburg, PA)
• Fr. Innocent Smith, O.P. (University of Notre Dame)

Beginning with the ancient invocation “Deus in adjutorium meum intende” (“O God, come to my assistance”), this event explores how the Divine Office—the Church’s official daily prayer—is sung and lived across diverse spiritual traditions and charisms, from Benedictine monasteries, Dominican friaries, and Norbertine abbeys to diocesan rectories, cathedrals, and in the lives of the laity.

Sessions include:

• Theological reflections on biblical texts and the hymns of the Office
• Practical workshops on chanting psalmody and employing the organ at the Divine Office
• Insights into adapting the Divine Office in parish settings, religious communities, and private prayer
• Presentations on historical and contemporary approaches to sung prayer in various rites and orders

Whether you’re a cleric, religious, choir director, or lay faithful seeking to deepen your prayer life through sacred music, this conference will inspire you to sing the Church’s universal prayer as a part of your daily rhythm.

Continuing Education for CISM Graduate Students

5-Part Series

Past and current CISM graduate students are invited to participate in this live, Zoom-based series. Sessions are only available live; no archived access is available.

Monday, March 2nd’s retreat with Archbishop Cordileone is open to all.

Mondays, February 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9 – 4:00 – 5:00 p.m., PST

• Monday, Feb. 9 – Launching an Organ Building Campaign – with Prof. Christopher Berry
• Monday, Feb. 16 – Nutrition, Sleep, Sickness-avoidance, and Spiritual Habits for Church Musicians – Panel Discussion
• Monday, Feb. 23 – Building a Tenebrae Service in Your Parish – with Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka & Prof. Christopher Berry
• Monday, March 2 – Lenten Retreat – Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone
• Monday, March 9 – Ward Method Check-up – with Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka

Topic descriptions forthcoming

Live via Zoom

MSM and Certificate Applications Due

Live auditions and interviews take place between February 15 and March 15. Applicants will receive notification of acceptance by March 20. * Acceptance is provisional, pending WSCUC approval of the programs.

John A. McInnes Choral Fellowship applications are also due Feb. 15th by midnight.

General Instruction of the Roman Missal: Directed Reading Group

Topic #3 of Spring 2026 Workshop Series

Mondays, Feb 16, 23, March 2 – 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., PST

Read the sections of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal that directly pertain to music under the guidance of an expert in Church legislation on sacred music. Discover the relationship of the GIRM to other legislative documents, learn how to read with rubrical and liturgical precision in light of the Church’s treasury of sacred music, and discuss pastoral and practical implications of the document for the parish context. 


Instructor: Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka | Live via Zoom, 3 sessions
Price: $25 live, $35 live plus archived access

Fundamentos del magisterio de la música sagrada

Tema n.° 1 en Talleres Virtuales en Español

Sábados: 21 y 28 de febrero, y 7 de marzo
Horario: 9:00–10:00 a. m. (hora del Pacífico)

Ponente: Fernando Gil
Modalidad: En directo a través de Zoom
Duración: 3 sesiones

En esta serie ofrecemos una introducción orgánica y práctica a la enseñanza de la Iglesia sobre la música sagrada, a la luz de los documentos: Tra le Sollecitudini, Sacrosanctum Concilium y Musicam Sacram.

A través del estudio de estos principios fundamentales, el canto gregoriano como modelo supremo, y la legítima diversidad de expresiones musicales, los participantes profundizarán en el propósito espiritual y litúrgico de la música sagrada.

La serie culminará con una reflexión sobre las disposiciones interiores y las competencias musicales necesarias para servir dignamente la liturgia, así como los desafíos más comunes en la aplicación de estas enseñanzas en la vida pastoral de nuestras comunidades.

Music for Worship and Leisure:
Musical Beauty in the Life of the Christian,
in the Light of St. Thomas

The Catholic Institute of Sacred Music is partnering with the Thomistic Arts Guild and Thomas Aquinas College to present a day-long conference:

Music for Worship and Leisure: Musical Beauty in the Life of the Christian, in the Light of St. Thomas

Location:  St. Vitus Catholic Church Parish Hall – 9710 White Oak Ave., Northridge, CA 91352

Join us for a day of immersion in and exploration of the beauty of music. Conference sessions will focus on different aspects of true leisure (à la Josef Pieper), featuring keynote speakers on philosophical and practical topics which touch on music in the Christian life. We’ll learn what to listen for in music, and develop our abilities to delight in true musical beauty. Participants will also learn to sing a Mass ordinary for a Solemn High Mass for the feast of St. Thomas Aquinas. A festive dinner concludes the day.

Tickets go on sale January 1st, 2026:
– Full-time student rate: $15
– Full-time student + dinner rate: $40
– Regular day rate: $35
– Regular day rate + dinner: $75

– Registration: 8:30am
– Solemn High Mass: 5:30pm
– Dinner: 6:45pm

Playing Bach through the Liturgical Year

Topic #4 of Spring 2026 Workshop Series

Mondays, March 9, 16, 23 – 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. PST

Take a bird’s-eye view of the organ works of Johann Sebastian Bach with the goal of situating them in the Catholic liturgical year and context. Discover gems for use in your parish that align with feast days, and take a deep dive on the musical intricacies of selected works, helping you discern the details which contribute to their beauty and magnificence. 

Instructor: Prof. Christopher Berry | Live via Zoom, 3 sessions
Price: $25 live, $35 live plus archived access

Duruflé’s Messe cum Jubilo for the Feast of the Annunciation

4th Annual Public Lecture and Concert Series

Celebrate the feast of the Annunciation by joining the St. Patrick’s Seminary Schola Cantorum for a Solemn Mass at St. Patrick’s Seminary! 

The Mass will feature Maurice Duruflé’s Messe cum Jubilo, Franz Biebl’s Ave Maria, and proper chants for the feast sung by the seminarians. Seminarian Andrew Kelley (Diocese of Spokane) will sing the baritone solos in the Duruflé mass, with organ accompaniment provided by Prof. Christopher Berry, under the direction of Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka. 

Mass is at 5:00 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park. 

Listening in Leisure and Love: How Listening to Music with Friends Points Us to Beatitude

4th Annual Public Lecture and Concert Series

Date: Thursday, April 16th
Time: 6:30 p.m. Pacific
Location: Sancta Maria Hall at St. Patrick’s Seminary and online via livestream
Tickets: Free, or suggested donation of $20

Dr. Margaret Hughes discusses the place of music in leisure, in light of the writings of Josef Pieper.

A reception follows the in-person event.

Sacred Music Study Day

The third annual Sacred Music Study Day—co-sponsored by the Archdiocese of San Francisco, St. Patrick’s Seminary, and the Catholic Institute of Sacred Music—draws together singers from all over northern California for an all-day Catholic choral festival.

The emphases of this year’s event are music in honor of the Holy Eucharist and development of vocal technique in group rehearsals.

The event features:

• Rehearsals featuring music you can take home to your congregations
• The opportunity to learn music we can sing together at Mass
• Workshops offering tips on developing and teaching healthy vocal technique
• Solemn Mass, sung by participants, celebrated by His Excellency, Salvatore J. Cordileone, Archbishop of San Francisco
• Catechesis on the role of sacred music in the spiritual life
• An opportunity to go to confession
• Lunch, refreshments, and fellowship with area musicians

The event is designed especially for:

• Parish music directors
• Parish choir members
• Cantors
• Clergy

Singers and music directors of all ability levels will find the event enriching and worthwhile.

Despierta Tu Voz: Clase de 3 Sesiones para una Voz Sana y Expresiva

Tema n. ° 2

Sábados: 25 de abril, 2 y 9 de mayo
Horario: 9:00–10:00 a. m. (hora del Pacífico)

Ponente: Sandra Bengochea
Modalidad: En directo a través de Zoom
Duración: 3 sesiones

Este curso online en español de tres sesiones te guía paso a paso para mejorar tu voz de forma práctica y accesible.

● Sesión 1: Respiración y Apoyo – Descubre la base de toda voz potente y saludable: técnicas de respiración diafragmática, control del apoyo abdominal y ejercicios para eliminar tensión y ganar resistencia vocal.

● Sesión 2: Fonación y Dicción – Aprende a producir sonido sin esfuerzo, claro y proyectado. Enfocando en resonancia y articulación clara para una pronunciación precisa y expresiva.

● Sesión 3: Abordando Problemas Vocales Comunes – Identifica y corrige problemas de la técnica vocal, frecuentes, como ronquera, fatiga vocal, voz nasal o forzada, con ejercicios correctivos, consejos de higiene vocal y prevención para mantener una voz duradera y sin esfuerzo.

Ideal para hablantes, cantantes aficionados, profesionales de la voz o cualquier persona que quiera hablar o cantar con más confianza y naturalidad. ¡Clases grabadas o en vivo, con ejercicios prácticos para aplicar desde casa!

Non-Degree-Seeking Student Application Deadline,
Summer Term Begins

Non-degree-seeking students must have completed all aspects of their applications by May 1st. 

Preparation period for summer term classes begins

Summer Term, Week 1 of 5-Day Classes

History and Principles of Sacred Music
Advanced Seminar in Gregorian Chant: Manuscript Sources, Semiology, and Interpretation
Advanced Seminar in Gregorian Chant: Vocal Technique and Semiological Performance Practice

Summer Term, Week 2 of 5-Day Classes

Teaching Gregorian Chant to Children
Liturgical Theology

Summer Term, Week 3 of 5-Day Classes

Introduction to Gregorian Chant
Organ Accompaniment of Chant

Summer Term, Week 4 of 5-Day Classes

Choral Institute
Composition Seminar
Organ Improvisation

John A. McInness Choral Fellows due on campus the morning of the previous Saturday, July 18th.

Summer Term, Week 5 of 5-Day Classes

Choral Preparation: Choral Conducting, Rehearsal Techniques, and Group Vocal Pedagogy
Advanced Seminar in Gregorian Chant: Notation and Practice in the Tenth through Fourteenth Centuries
Advanced Seminar in Gregorian Chant: Cantare super librum

CISM Chant Camp

Gregorian Chant Camp for Ages 8 to 17.

Discover the joy of singing the Church’s sacred music!

Join the CISM Chorister Program for its second annual chant camp on the campus of St. Patrick’s Seminary!

A week of fun, engaging, and positive rehearsals, games, catechesis, time for prayer, and meals together; Chant Camp is a day camp for students who want to grow in their faith, learn to sing, and enjoy fellowship with other Catholics.

Chant Camp is designed for students of all levels, aged 8 to 17, from those who are new to singing Gregorian chant to those who have had some experience chanting or singing in a Catholic choir.

The camp includes:

• Mass, sung by camp participants
• Rehearsals that develop singing ability and technique
• Instruction in how to read printed music, including chant notation
• Games and time relaxing or playing outside
• Snacks and lunch
• Catechesis
• Time for personal prayer and the opportunity to go to confession

Parents are welcome to join the students for final Mass at noon on Friday.

Scholarships are available for families with financial need. Please inquire with Sr. Mary Vianney at mary.vianney@stpsu.edu.

Fall Term Begins for MSM and Certificate Students

Fall Courses: Applied Voice, MSM Colloquium